Roberto Mancini admits Roma–Inter is “a classic” Serie A fixture, but “they are a better team than us.”
It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday at 19.45 GMT, click here for a match preview.
Roberto Mancini admits Roma-Inter is “a classic” Serie A fixture, but “they are a better team than us.”
It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday at 19.45 GMT, click here for a match preview.
Mancio made his debut on the Nerazzurri bench with a 1-1 Milan Derby draw, then beat Dnipro 2-1 in the Europa League on Thursday.
Was Roma’s confidence hit by a last-gasp equaliser at CSKA Moscow that leaves them needing to beat Manchester City in the Champions League?
“No, Serie A is a different thing and I doubt it will make a difference for them,” said Mancini in his Press conference.
“I think Roma are a better team than us, they have more confidence thanks to a long-standing project with a great Coach. This is a classic fixture in Italian football and we need to be ready from the get-go.
“The Giallorossi have a very good chance of winning the Scudetto, as there’s a long campaign ahead, they have strong foundations and signed some great players.”
The last time Mancini was in charge of Inter, they were going head-to-head with Luciano Spalletti’s Roma for the Scudetto, Coppa Italia and Italian Super Cup in a post-Calciopoli landscape.
“I lived in Rome, played for Lazio” data-scaytid=”25″>Lazio and experienced many derbies here. We were antagonists, but I never had any particular emotional situations other than enjoying what were always great matches.
“Tomorrow I want to see good football, as it’s a classic fixture and that matters. Roma are in front, but we must have the right mentality, play like a real team and be highly motivated.
“I am not surprised Francesco Totti is still there, as he is a world class player. Without doubt he is among the best of all time. He hasn’t won as much, but was a bit like me: he was married to a cause for many years and that is satisfying too. A whole city loves him.”
Mateo Kovacic trained despite a bruised toe, while Yuto Nagatomo “should be ready next week and is unlikely to require surgery” on a shoulder injury.
Daniel Osvaldo is particularly eager to start this game against his old club, especially as he was practically forced out of Roma by the fans.
“He shouldn’t care about this match as an ex-Roma player, because everyone wants to play, including Icardi and Palacio. Everybody wants to take part in a game like this.
“Kovacic has such great quality that he can play anywhere: wide midfield, the wing or other roles. I had David Silva at Manchester City and he became the best attacking winger in the Premier League. Mateo is young and has to be able to cover multiple roles.”